George M. Hall Memorial Bridge dedicated in Mercer County

PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) — A Mercer County man has finally been honored for his contributions to the county.

George M. Hall was a slave in Mercer County at the time of the Civil War. When the courthouse was set ablaze by the Confederate Army, Hall rushed into the building to save all of the records kept within.

Lois Miller, the President of the Mercer County Historical Society, said her research into Hall began with old newspapers.

“I had been looking through some old newspapers and found George Hall Jr. recalling what his father told him when the courthouse was burning May 1st, 1862; what he did in preparation of saving the records,” said Miller.

At the time, there were 25 years of records kept in the building detailing everything from births, deaths, deeds, and land ownership.

The early history of Mercer County would have been lost without Hall’s actions. Miller said she is glad that five years of work have ended with Hall being properly honored.

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